Free read:
http://www.49ersparadise.com/bryansarchive/201011/49ersharbaugh.shtmlThe Super Bowl betting lines at BetUs - and everywhere else - are the talk around the water cooler right now as the NFL playoffs progress. But for the 24 teams that are on the outside looking in, many of them are already looking ahead to next season.
For the San Francisco 49ers, they have turned over a new leaf by hiring head coach Jim Harbaugh but the story is pretty much the same as yet another regime takes over in San Francisco: who will start at quarterback?
Veterans Alex Smith and Troy Smith have worn out their welcome. Both are free agents and neither is expected to return. Fan-favorite-turned-overweight-practice-squad-member, Nate Davis, was signed by the Seattle Seahawks last week.
So that leaves David Carr as the only quarterback currently under contract for 2011. But don't panic yet; the 49ers have a number of ways they can go.
Harbaugh plans to run a West Coast offense, which might be a good fit for veteran quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, who is heading toward free agency. Also, Donovan McNabb has worked the system for many years and he won't be back with the Washington Redskins next season.
Both quarterbacks are veterans and may be able to step in and give the 49ers accuracy and consistency that they haven't seen in a long time. At the same time, but are in their 30's and are over the hill. Neither is a longterm solution at the position.
Via trades, the 49ers could explore what it would cost to acquire Kevin Kolb, although the Philadelphia Eagles latest request has been two first-round picks, which is far too steep. Green Bay Packers backup, Matt Flynn, is also very familiar with the West Coast offense and he'd come at a much cheaper price.
Another intriguing option could be Tampa Bay backup, Josh Johnson, who played under Harbaugh at the University of San Diego.
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